THE county council has launched a training course for frontline public services staff across Surrey to help meet the needs of military personnel and veterans.

The online course explains how the council and many other public bodies are committed through the Armed Forces Covenant to ensuring servicemen and women, as well as reservists and veterans, suffer no disadvantage compared to civilians in accessing services such as healthcare, housing, social care, schools and support to find jobs.

Members of the armed forces can find it harder to get the help they need than civilians because of frequent moves, extended periods away and a lack of familiarity with support available. They may also need specific medical or social care as a result of their time in service.

County council chairman Peter Martin, who also chairs Surrey Civilian-Military Partnership Board, said: “The vast majority of former servicemen and women living in Surrey have successfully adapted to civilian life, putting the skills and experience they acquired while serving in the armed forces to really good use.

“However, a minority can be in need of support either at the point of discharge or many years later.

“This course explains the commitment of the Surrey Armed Forces Covenant and how it can be honoured and implemented in our local community.”